Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has voiced strong opposition to the Biden administration’s decision to cut funding for mRNA vaccine research, warning that the move could have deadly consequences.
“I’ve tried to be objective & non-alarmist in response to current HHS actions – but quite frankly this move is going to cost lives,” Adams posted on X (formerly Twitter) on August 5. He emphasized the broader applications of mRNA technology, noting, “The vaccine they helped develop in record time is credited with saving millions. mRNA technology has uses that go far beyond vaccines.”
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), now led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced it would slash nearly $500 million in funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) — a key agency responsible for the advancement of mRNA-based vaccines and other biomedical technologies. Kennedy, a known critic of COVID-19 vaccines, described mRNA technology as “ineffective” in a video published on the same day.
What Are mRNA Vaccines?
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna during the Trump administration, teach the body’s cells to produce a harmless fragment of the virus — typically the spike protein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 — to stimulate an immune response. This enables the immune system to recognize and combat the virus if encountered in the future.
Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines do not contain live virus components and do not trigger allergic reactions related to egg-based vaccine production. This innovative platform has also shown promise beyond COVID-19, with research ongoing into vaccines for influenza, HIV, and certain cancers.
Impact of Funding Cuts
Experts warn that the decision to cut federal support could significantly hinder progress in the biotech field. Dr. Jeff Coller, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of RNA Biology and Therapeutics at Johns Hopkins University, said the cuts could delay advancements in vaccines for emerging infectious diseases and cancer therapies.
“The rest of the world is doubling down on mRNA medicines. It’s a fact, and the U.S. is going to lose the race,” Coller told USA TODAY. He added that the move sends a discouraging signal to pharmaceutical companies, potentially deterring investment in mRNA research within the United States.
Companies may also shift their operations to countries with more supportive regulatory and funding environments, which could raise the cost of these therapies for American patients and undermine U.S. leadership in the global biotechnology industry.
“This decision coming from Kennedy is essentially destroying our dominance in the biotech space,” Coller said.
As debate continues over the future of mRNA research in the U.S., public health experts and former government officials like Adams are urging policymakers to reconsider a move that could have long-term consequences for public health and medical innovation.
